Thank You!

April 1, 2023, will mark ten years since Agathon Associates opened for business. To my clients, thank you for your support and confidence in me. To others who follow my textilesandtrade.blogspot.com posting, I a happy to know that I am putting out information you find useful.

Norfolk CBP Officers Seize Over $700K in Counterfeit Designer Brand Clothes, Shoes, Purses

U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers seized over $700,000 in counterfeit designer brand name clothes, purses, scarves, sneakers and other items in Norfolk, Va., on March 16.

CBP officers initially examined the shipment on February 3, which had arrived from Seoul, South Korea, and was destined to an address in Chesapeake, Va. The shipment consisted of 68 items bearing the designer brand trademarks of Burberry, Chanel, Christian Dior, Gucci, Hermes, Louis Vuitton, and Yves Saint Laurent, among others.

March 23, 2023, press release and photos HERE.

Don't Miss the OTEXA Update at Smart Fabrics Summit 2023

There's Still Time to Register

Hear from experts on the current state of smart fabrics 

OTEXA is proud to be a Supporting Organization for Smart Fabrics Summit 2023, taking place April 11–12, 2023 at North Carolina State University in Raleigh, NC. This 2-day event is organized by NC State's Wilson College of Textiles and the Advanced Textile Association (ATA). Don't miss the opportunity to hear from professionals in academia, government and industry on what's next for innovative materials, manufacturing and harnessing the next generation. 

Why Attend?

• Get updates on the current state of the smart fabrics industry.

• Tour cutting edge facilities and see firsthand how they operate.

• Discover new technologies, developments and ways to improve manufacturing.

• Look into the future of the smart fabrics and textiles industry.

• Ask questions and collaborate with the brightest minds in the industry.

Seating is limited! Register now to secure your spot.

Register Now

Carhartt Recalls Men’s Work Pants with Hem Adjustment Cords Due to Fall Hazard; Sold Exclusively at Dick’s Sporting Goods

This recall involves Carhartt Men’s Force Relaxed 5 Pocket Work Pants with an elastic drawstring hem near the ankle of the pants. Product number 105222 is printed on a tag on the inside seam near the waistband. The pants are made of 81% cotton/16% nylon/3% elastane, stretch twill, were sold in gray and brown colors, and feature two front pockets, a phone pocket on the right leg and two back pockets, one with a zipper and includes all sizes.

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled work pants and return the pants to Dicks Sporting Goods or Carhartt for a full refund. If consumers want to keep the pants, they can cut the loop out of the hems and send a photo to Carhartt at just_ask_us@carhartt.com showing proof that the cord was removed to get a full refund.

Incidents/Injuries: Non

e Reported

Sold At: Dic

k's Sporting Goods stores nationwide and online at http://www.dickssportinggoods.com from July 2022 through November 2022 for about $70.

Importer(s): CAR

HARTT Inc., of Dearborn, Michigan

Manufactured In: India

Recall number: 23-171

More information and photos HERE.

Army and Air Force Cold Weather Jacket Contracts Awarded

March 28, 2023, Valley Apparel LLC, Knoxville, Tennessee (SPE1C1-23-D-0016, $16,876,125); and Federal Prison Industries Inc.,** doing business as UNICOR, Washington, D.C. (SPE1C1-23-D-0017, $16,285,500), have each been awarded a firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for GEN III cold weather jackets. This was a competitive acquisition with 13 responses received. Other contracts are expected to be awarded under this solicitation (SPE1C1‐21‐R‐0019) and awardees will compete for a portion of the maximum dollar value. These are one-year base contracts with three one-year option periods. Location of performance is Kentucky, with a March 27, 2024, ordering period end date. Using military services are Army and Air Force. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2023 through 2024 defense working capital funds. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

**Mandatory source

Army Fitness Jacket Contract Awarded

March 27, 2023, Federal Prison Industries Inc.,** doing business as UNICOR, Washington, D.C., has been awarded a maximum $13,749,000 firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for physical fitness uniform jackets. This was a competitive acquisition with three responses received. This is a one-year contract with two one-year option periods. Location of performance is Illinois, with a March 26, 2024, ordering period end date. Using military service is Army. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2023 through 2024 defense working capital funds. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (SPE1C1-23-D-0037).

**Mandatory source

USITC Investigation: Certain Flocked Swabs, Products

On March 23, 2023, the U.S. International Trade Commission published in the Federal Register (88 FR 17617) [Investigation No. 337–TA–1279] Certain Flocked Swabs, Products Containing Flocked Swabs, and Methods of Using Same; Notice of a Commission Determination To Review in Part a Final Initial Determination; and, on Review, To Find No Violation of Section 337; Termination of the Investigation.

On September 2, 2021, the Commission instituted this investigation under section 337 of the Tariff Act of 1930. Under section 337, the USITC determines whether there is unfair competition in the importation of products into, or their subsequent sale in, the United States. Section 337 declares the infringement of a U.S. patent, copyright, registered trademark, or mask work to be an unlawful practice in import trade.

The investigation was based on a complaint filed by Copan Italia S.p.A. and Copan Industries, Inc. The complaint alleged a violation of section 337 in the importation into the United States, the sale for importation, or the sale within the United States after importation of certain flocked swabs, products containing flocked swabs, and methods of using same. The notice of investigation named numerous respondents

In today's Federal Register notice was given that the U.S. International Trade Commission has determined to review in part the presiding administrative law judge's final initial determination issued on October 28, 2022, finding no violation of section 337, in the above-referenced investigation. On review, the Commission has determined to find no violation of section 337. The investigation is terminated in its entirety.

Navy Boot Contract Awared

March 22, 2023, McRae Industries Inc.,* Mount Gilead, North Carolina, has been awarded a maximum $14,258,628 modification (P00003) exercising the first one-year option period of a one-year base contract (SPE1C1-22-D-1532) with two one-year option periods for general purpose and flight deck safety boots. This is a firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract. The ordering period end date is March 22, 2024. Using military service is Navy. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2023 through 2024 defense working capital funds. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

*Small business

Athletic Shoes Contract Awarded

March 22, 2023, San Antonio Shoe Inc., San Antonio, Texas, has been award a maximum $90,590,940 fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for men’s and women’s athletic shoes. This was a competitive acquisition with one response received. This is a three-year contract with no option periods. The ordering period end date is March 21, 2026. Using customers are Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and Coast Guard. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2023 through 2026 defense working capital funds. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (SPE1C1-23-D-0036).

Navy Fleese Liner Contract Awarded

March 21, 2023, BestWork Industries for the Blind Inc.,** Cherry Hill, New Jersey, has been awarded a maximum $12,638,208 modification (P00004) exercising the first one-year option period of a one-year base contract (SPE1C1-22-D-B124) with two one-year option periods for blue, black and coyote brown fleece liners. This is a firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract. The ordering period end date is March 23, 2024. Using military service is Navy. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2023 through 2024 defense working capital funds. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

**Mandatory source

Air Force Trouser Contract Awarded

March 15, 2023, Creighton AB Inc., Reidsville, North Carolina, has been awarded a maximum $8,890,772 modification (P00018) exercising the fourth one-year option period of a one-year base contract (SPE1C1-20-D-1211) with four one-year option periods for dress trousers. This is a firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract. Location of performance is New York, with a March 17, 2024, ordering period end date. Using military service is Air Force. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2023 through 2024 defense working capital funds. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Sunbeam Heated Blankets Recalled Due to Burn and Fire Hazards; Distributed by Star Elite

This recall involves the Sunbeam Queen Size Heated Blanket, model number 32810027. The blankets were sold with detachable controllers and in the following colors: beige, ivory, light green, dark blue, light blue, burgundy, dark gray, light gray and gray violet. The Sunbeam logo and the model number are printed on the wash label affixed to the blanket.

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using and unplug the recalled blankets and contact Star Elite for a full refund. Consumers will be asked to complete the online recall registration form available at www.productrecall.sunbeamhome.com and to destroy the blanket by cutting the power cord at the plug, marking an “X” with permanent marker on the wash label and sending the recalling firm a photo of the destroyed blanket.

Incidents/Injuries: The firm has received 13 reports of the blankets overheating. No injuries have been reported.

Sold At: Online at Amazon.com and small independent stores nationwide from September 2022 through January 2023 for about $120.

Distributor(s): Star Elite Inc., of Canada

Manufactured In: China

Recall number: 23-157

More information and photos HERE.

Marine Corps Apparel Contract Awarded

March 10, 2023, Pentaq Manufacturing Corp.,** Sabana Grande, Puerto Rico, has been awarded a maximum $14,255,460 firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for blouses and trousers. This was a competitive acquisition with four responses received. This is a one-year base contract with four one-year option periods. The ordering period end date is March 9, 2024. Using military service is Marine Corps. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2023 through 2024 defense working capital funds. The contracting activity is Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (SPE1C1-23-D-0035).

**Small business in historically underutilized business zones

Akerson Enterprises Recalls Kindred Bravely Bamboo Nursing Hoodies Due to Choking Hazard

This recall involves Kindred Bravely Bamboo Nursing Hoodies sold in a variety of colors and sizes for nursing mothers. The hoodie is made from bamboo, acrylic and spandex, features a drawstring closure and concealed zippers at the chest for breastfeeding access. The neck seam label has the brand name Kindred Bravely, size, care instructions and PO number.

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled nursing hoodies, cut the fully extended drawstring cords and discard the cords. Consumers can also request a $75 store credit by filling out an online form at www.kindredbravely.com/pages/bamboo-hoodie-safety-recall and providing a photo of the cut drawstrings cords and company branding.

Incidents/Injuries: None reported

Sold At: Village Maternity, Nature Baby Outfitter, Tootsies Children’s Boutique, Nurturing Expressions, Simple Organics Wellness Center, RSVP Gifts and More, Milk & Baby and other maternity boutiques nationwide and online at www.kindredbravely.com and www.amazon.com from November 2021 through December 2022 for about $75.

Importer(s): Akerson Enterprises LLC, dba Kindred Bravely, of Oceanside, California

Manufactured In: China

Recall number: 23-149

More information and photos HERE.

Navy and Marine Running Suit Jacket Contract Awarded

March 7, 2023, SND Manufacturing, Dallas, Texas, has been awarded a maximum $9,146,497 modification (P00013) exercising the fourth one-year option period of a one-year base contract (SPE1C1-19-D-5038) with four one-year option periods for running suit jackets. This is an indefinite-delivery contract. The ordering period end date is March 17, 2024. Using military services are Navy and Marine Corps. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2023 through 2024 defense working capital funds. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

U.S.-Chile Free Trade Agreement Short Supply Petition Filed for Filament Rayon

On March 7, 2023, the Committee for the Implementation of Textile Agreements published in the Federal Register (88 FR 14149) Commercial Availability Request under the United States-Chile Free Trade Agreement. Filament rayon is already exempt from the yarn forward requirement in some U.S. free trade agreements, such as DR-DAFTA, Colombia, Peru, and USMCA.

Army and Air Force Coat Contact Awarded

March 6, 2023, M&M Manufacturing LLC,** Lajas, Puerto Rico, has been awarded a maximum $25,149,600 modification (P00011) exercising the two-year option period of a two-year base contract (SPE1C1-21-D-1449) with one two-year option period for various types of coats. This is a firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract. The ordering period end date is March 8, 2025. Using military services are Army and Air Force. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2023 through 2025 defense working capital funds. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

**Woman-owned small business in historically underutilized business zones

Application for FTZ Production Authority; Flemish Master Weavers

On March 6, 2023 the Foreign Trade Zone Board published in the Federal Register (88 FR 13778) Foreign-Trade Zone 186; Application for Production Authority; Flemish Master Weavers; (Machine-Made Woven Area Rugs); Sanford, Maine.

This is FMW's fourth attempt in the past seven years to get this approval, which the U.S. textile industry has successfully opposed.

Helly Hansen Recalls Adult Workwear Sweatshirts and Hoodies Due to Violation of Federal Flammability Standard and Burn Hazard

This recall involves 12 styles of Helly Hansen adult workwear sweatshirts and hoodies. The garments are 100% cotton or 95% cotton and 5% elastane and were sold in all sizes in gray, navy and black. HH workwear is printed on the neck label, and Helly Hansen is printed on a label located on the front right-hand side at the bottom of the garment. The inside seam label displays the size, fiber content and washing instructions. The style number is printed on a tag underneath the inside seam label.

The different styles are: Manchester Sweatshirt in navy and black - style 79208; W Manchester Sweatshirt in navy and black - style 79209; Manchester Half Zip Sweatshirt in navy and black - style 79210; Manchester Zip Sweatshirt in navy and black - style 79212; W Manchester Zip Sweatshirt in navy and black - style 79213; Manchester Hoodie in navy and black - style 79214; W Manchester Hoodie in navy and black - style 79215 and Manchester Zip Hoodie in navy and black - style 79216;W Manchester Zip Hoodie in navy and black - style 79217; Kensington Zip Hoodie in gray melange and black - style 79243; Kensington Sweatshirt in navy - style 79245; Kensington Zip Sweatshirt in navy - style 79247.

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled garments and contact Helly Hansen for a full refund or replacement. Helly Hansen will provide a full refund or a credit towards the purchase of a free replacement item upon submission of a photograph of the garment cut in half by email to highpri.support.na@hellyhansen.com.

Incidents/Injuries: None reported

Sold At: Helly Hansen clothing stores and uniform clothing suppliers nationwide and online at www.hhworkwear.com from August 2019 through August 2022 for between $40 to $115.

Importer(s): Helly Hansen (U.S.) Inc., of Sumner, Washington

Manufactured In: Sri Lanka and Turkey

Recall number: 23-141

More information and photos HERE.

Patagonia Recalls Patagonia Infant Capilene Midweight Base Layer Sets Due to Choking Hazard

This recall involves Patagonia Infant Capilene Midweight Base Layer Sets, sold in sizes 0 months through 24 months with style number 60910. Each set consists of a knitted polyester long sleeved bodysuit with snaps at the left shoulder and at the crotch, and a pair of matching knitted polyester pants with an elastic waistband. The style number is printed on a sewn-in label inside the garment in the form STY60910FA21 for the Fall 2021 style and STY60910FA22 for the Fall 2022 style. They were sold in five designs: pink and white with “My Planet,” pink hearts and pink trim; blue with “Patagonia” and “Fun Hogs”; pink with small graphics; pink with “Patagonia Mountain Kids” and gray and black with “Patagonia Mountain Kids.”

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled Patagonia Infant Capilene Midweight Base Layer Sets and contact Patagonia for a full refund. Patagonia will provide consumers with prepaid labels to return the recalled product, and a full refund upon receipt of the product.

Incidents/Injuries: Patagonia has received one report of a snap detaching from the shoulder of the bodysuit and being mouthed by a baby .

Sold At: Patagonia, REI and other stores nationwide and online at www.patagonia.com, www.rei.com, www.backcountry.com and other websites from August 2021 through January 2023 for about $55.

Importer(s): Patagonia Inc., of Ventura, California

Distributor(s): Patagonia Inc., of Ventura, California

Manufactured In: Sri Lanka

Recall number: 23-138

More information and photos HERE.

Smocked Runway Recalls Classic Whimsy Children’s Pajamas Due to Violation of Federal Flammability Standards and Burn Hazard

This recall involves Smocked Runway’s Classic Whimsy-branded children’s pajamas, batch numbers QH2022124, QH2021093, QH2021255, QH2021041, QH2020311, QH2021371, CLW10028, QH2021372, QH2020195, QH2022085, QH2021097, QH2021246, QH2020284, QH2021215, QH2021182, CLW8402, QH2021028, CLW4838, and CLW7022. The 95% Cotton/5% Spandex pajamas were sold in Pink Rosebud, Pink Santa, Birthday Girl, Unicorn, Pumpkin Toile, Pink Bear, Pink Pastel Bunny, and Red Gingham Bow. The 95% cotton/5% Spandex nightgowns were sold in Pink Bunny Peeps, Royal Blue, Birthday, Storybook Rabbit, Bow, and Bunny Dreams. The 95% Cotton/5% Spandex loungewear styles were sold in Bow and Christmas Cheer. The 100% cotton menswear loungewear styles were sold in Green Gingham and Blue Gingham. All recalled styles were sold in children’s sizes 12 months through 10 years. “Classic Whimsy,” “Made in China,” the size and the batch number are printed on the white sewn-in neck label.

Remedy: Consumers should immediately take the recalled children’s pajamas away from children, stop using them and contact Smocked Runway for instructions on how to receive a pre-paid mailer and return the pajamas for a full refund in the original form of payment or store credit for the original purchase price. Smocked Runway is directly contacting all known purchasers.

Incidents/Injuries: None reported

Sold Exclusively At: Online at www.smockedauctions.com January 2021 through November 2022 for between $10 and $35.

Importer(s): Smocked Runway LLC, of Dallas, Texas

Manufactured In: China

Recall number: 23-731

More information and photos HERE.

Foreign-Trade Zone 38; Application for Production Authority; Teijin Carbon Fibers, Inc.; (Polyacrylonitrile-Based Carbon Fiber)

On March 1, 2023, the Foreign-Trade Zone Board published in the Federal Register (88 FR 12912) Foreign-Trade Zone 38; Application for Production Authority; Teijin Carbon Fibers, Inc.; (Polyacrylonitrile-Based Carbon Fiber); Extension of Comment Period on Submission Containing New Evidence.

This controversial FTZ application has been under consideration since 2019, as Agathon Associates previously reported.

Increasing Duties on Certain Articles From the Russian Federation

On March 2, 2023, Presidential Proclamation 10523 of February 24, 2023 was published in the Federal Register (88 FR 13277) Increasing Duties on Certain Articles From the Russian Federation.

Textile Converter Pays $344,516.80 to Resolve False Claims Act Allegations

Tabb Textiles Co., Inc., and individuals affiliated with the company, have paid $344,516.80. Tabb improperly billed Federal Prison Industries, Inc. for fabric that was sourced overseas. The private citizen who brought the qui tam suit will receive $65,000

Read more HERE

Read the case HERE.